Footage shows how streets in northeast Thailand have been coloured red with paper lanterns as locals prepare for the annual Chinese New Year celebrations.

Residents in Nakhon Ratchasima province put red and gold decorations on homes and shops in the centre of town, where shops were also selling traditional oriental costumes.

Many of the preparations were centered on the Trok Chan road, which contains many shops and homes of Thai-Chinese residents.

However, apparel store owner Chawiwan Chakajvajira, 50, said that the number of customers was low due to the recent festivals including Christmas, New Year, and Thai Children's Day.

She said that she ordered only 500 t-shirts for this Chinese New Year, which is lower than in previous years.

However, she hoped that her remaining products, especially t-shirts, will be sold before the festival because most customers will buy a lot of them including groups, families, or companies.

The 2023 Chinese New Year will fall on January 22 and it is the Year of the Rabbit.

Thai capital Bangkok was developed by settlers from China in the 19th century and many of the descendants of the original families still live in the city. While in the north, close to the border with China, many mainlanders have moved to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.